Chester man's impressive weight loss after cancer diagnosis

Sean Redmond’s life changed dramatically in July 2023 at the age of 65 when a routine operation led to the discovery that he had prostate cancer.

Sean, who had battled with his weight for many years, had 18 months of hormone treatment and radiotherapy which successfully sent his cancer into remission.

However, the treatment also contributed to significant weight gain, prompting other serious health problems.

As well as recovering from cancer, Sean was living with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis in both knees and asthma.

At 5’ 11” and weight 23st 10 ½ lbs, Sean was the heaviest and least fit he had ever been.

“I was at an extremely low ebb,” Sean says.

That was when two of his closest friends, Shirley and Julie, persuaded him to go along to Chester City Slimming World.

He first attended the group on Saturday June 8, 2024 – and it became the second life-changing event in an extraordinary couple of years.

“Meeting Tracy and joining her Slimming World group literally turned my life around,” he says. Sean embraced 'Food Optimising' and quickly began seeing results.

Within just 10 weeks, he had already lost 10 per cent of his starting body weight.

Today, 68-year-old Sean, who lives in Great Barrow, Chester, weighs 16st 4½lbs – an incredible 7st 6lbs lighter than when he joined.

And for someone who had spent a lifetime losing weight only to regain it, one of Sean’s proudest achievements is that this time the weight has stayed off, give or take the normal pound or two along the way.

Sean is cycling again following his impressive weight loss. (Image: Chester City Slimming World)

He credits the group with teaching him to believe in himself and his ability to take control of his health journey and enjoy health food without feeling as though his is ‘on a diet’.

Sean says he is now healthier and fitter than he has been for 20 years.

Regular blood tests continue to show his cancer remains clear, his type 2 diabetes is in remission and his other weight-related health conditions have vastly improved.

And there is one particularly special sign of just how much his life has changed.

After 20 years without riding a bike, Sean is back in the saddle.

In 2026, Sean was crowned Greatest Loser and Man of the Year at his Chester City group – two awards that mean a great deal to him after everything he has overcome.

He adds: “I can’t thank Shirley and Julie enough for enticing me through those doors, or Tracy and all my Slimming World family for the fun, inspiration and incredible support they’ve given me.

“The journey continues!”

And these days, sometimes that journey is happening on two wheels!

Tracy's groups are in Chester City Centre, Saltney, Upton & Blacon – contact her for more information on 07455222708.